Injection molded plastic snowshoe

ABSTRACT

A plastic showshoe having a lengthwise center frame. The frame forms a semicircular opening to accommodate for the downward pivoting of the forward portion of the binding and boot. Integrated with and laterally extending on both sides of the lengthwise center frame is a weight distribution member having increased upward flexibility toward the edges. On each side of the frame it is independently flexible in order to stabilize the snowshoe in a horizontal position when stepping down, thereby supporting the balance of the snowshoer. The frame is positioned above the weight distribution member in front of and behind the binding and under the weight distribution member opposite the binding. Traction is provided by the portion of the frame positioned under the weight distribution member and by the metal cleat and numerous traction lugs on the underside of the weight distribution member. Snowshedding is facilitated by the smooth upper side of the weight distribution member, the snow plow shape of the frame forming the semicircular opening, by the inverted V-shape of the weight distribution member, by the increased inverted V-shape of the front portion of the weight distribution member and by the frame&#39;s position above the weight distribution member in front of and behind the binding. The snowshoe is provided with a full length binding having an adjustable boot centering heel support, a quick release device for safety and convenience and a heel lock down device.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001] This invention relates to snowshoes and seeks to overcome all the major shortcomings of traditional snowshoes and plastic snowshoes presently available on the market.

[0002] Traditional snowshoes have a number of serious shortcomings because of the design limits imposed by the materials used in manufacturing. A snowshoe design that optimizes performance must be manufactured through injection molding because it can then be molded to a shape that eliminates all the serious shortcomings of traditional snowshoes. Furthermore, it is the fastest and least expensive manufacturing method for mass production. The slow and labor intensive manufacturing methods of traditional snowshoes, whether wood and rawhide or aluminum tubing and high tech materials are used, result in a high price. A few injection molded snowshoes are available on the market that are molded into stiff boards with little or no improvement of performance, just a lower price.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0003] The major shortcomings of traditional snowshoes are the following:

[0004] 1. “Stability”—Traditional snowshoes act as stiff boards and when some unevenness in the snow tilts the snowshoe, they have a tendency to slide deep into the snow in the direction of tilt when stepping down. This causes instability and will, in certain snow conditions, repeatedly throw a snowshoer off balance. All snowshoes presently available on the market are very much lacking in this regard.

[0005] 2. “Snowshedding”—When stepping down in loose snow conditions, snow will fall on top of the snowshoe. In order to avoid having to lift this extra weight with every step, it is desirable that this snowload slide off the top of the snowshoe as fast as possible. This requires a very smooth, slippery surface with no “grip points” for the snow to hang on to. All traditional snowshoes fall short of this requirement, therefore, depending on the snow conditions a variable amount of snow must be lifted and carried with every step.

[0006] 3. “Traction”—Contrary to skis and snowboards, a snowshoe can simply not have too much traction. Again, no snowshoes presently on the market have optimized traction.

[0007] 4. “Binding”—The binding is crucial as a most important integrated part of the snowshoe. A good binding must ensure that the foot is always aligned with the snowshoe. Many snowshoes fall short on this requirement. Furthermore, it should be possible to lock down the heel on top of the snowshoe by simply pushing a tab with a gloved hand. Without locking the heel to the snowshoe, it is very awkward to take steps backward because the back end of the snowshoe will cut into the snow. Taking backward steps is often necessary when working on snowshoes; such as logging, surveying, prospecting and many other activities. Most snowshoes presently available on the market fall short on this requirement. Furthermore, it should be easy to adjust and strap on the binding with thick mittens. Many are lacking in this regard.

[0008] The great importance of a quick release binding for safety reasons, even more than convenience, has, to the best of my knowledge, been overlooked by all manufacturers of snowshoes. In winter conditions, it may be impossible to tell if there is open water or thin ice under the snow surface. Without a quick release binding, stepping into deep water could be extremely dangerous. A quick release binding can also be of crucial importance if being caught in an avalanche.

[0009] Traditional snowshoe designs are like a car without suspension. Such a car may work fairly well on a smooth road, but on a bumpy road the design error will be obvious. Similarly, most snowshoes available on the market today will perform reasonably well on flat ground with an even snow surface. It is in more difficult snow conditions and steep terrain that their shortcomings become obvious.

[0010] Referring to the shortcomings with traditional snowshoe designs above, the following describes point by point how those shortcomings have been overcome with a new snowshoe invention.

[0011] 1. “Stability”—The instability problem has been overcome by replacing the traditional frame with a lengthwise center frame and by making the weight distribution member on each side of the lengthwise center frame independently flexible to compensate for unevenness in the snow and thus stabilizing the horizontal position of the snowshoe when stepping down thereby improving performance of the snowshoe and balance of the snowshoer. The weight distribution member flex progressively upwards from the center frame towards the edges when stepping down and resume the inverted V-shape when lifting the snowshoe. Traction and weight is most concentrated right under the foot further increasing stability and maneuverability of the snowshoe.

[0012] 2. “Snowshedding” has been greatly improved by giving the weight distribution member an inverted V-shape and by making the upper surface very smooth and slippery with no unnecessary “grip points.” Furthermore, by locating the center frame on the upper side in front of and behind the binding and by giving the portion of the frame forming the semicircular opening a snow plow shape the oncoming snow load is cut in half in the front portion of the snowshoe and immediately “plowed” off. Behind the binding the snow falling on top of the snowshoe will also be divided by the center frame's position above the weight distribution member and slide off with a minimum of resistance when stepping forward. Snowshedding is further facilitated by the increased inverted V-shape of the front portion of the weight distribution member. This design will make the snowshoe shed snow like a duck is shedding water.

[0013] 3. “Traction” has been optimized by numerous flexible triangular lugs on the underside of the weight distribution member. The lugs are angled 60 degrees from the lengthwise centerline in order to provide more forward than side traction. Substantial side traction is provided by the center frame located on the underside of the weight distribution member opposite the binding and forward traction by the cross portion of the frame integrated with the binding mounts. The triangular lugs will provide excellent traction even on a crusty snow surface. Further traction is provided by the metal cleat and the saw toothed frame in the mid-portion on the underside of the weight distribution member.

[0014] 4. “Binding”—The binding is as unique as the snowshoe. The slideable heel support adjusts to fit many different sizes of boots and ensures that the boot and the snowshoe is always aligned.

[0015] The binding can be adjusted and the snowshoe strapped on and tension on the ankle strap increased or decreased while wearing thick mittens.

[0016] The snowshoe is strapped on with the toe and ankle straps. The snowshoe is removed by simply pushing the tab on the tension lever forward a very short distance which will cause the lever to flex outward and pivot backwards, releasing the lock-pin and thereby the ankle strap and thus instantly freeing the boot. The forward push on the push tab required to release the boot prevents accidental release by branches when walking through bushy areas. The combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder provides the ability to tightening or loosening the tension on the ankle strap without releasing the ankle strap.

[0017] The heel lock down device is located behind the binding and the full length binding is locked down by simply pulling the tab on the lock down device forward. To release the heel the tab is pushed backwards. If the back of the snowshoe would get stuck or the snowshoer should fall forward the flexible arm on the heel lock down device will release the heel without anything breaking.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0018]FIG. 1 shows an elevational right side view of the snowshoe strapped on the right boot.

[0019]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the underside of the snowshoe with the binding removed.

[0020]FIG. 3 shows a plan view of the upper side of the snowshoe with the binding removed.

[0021]FIG. 4 shows section 1-1 of FIG. 3 with a portion excluded from the section.

[0022]FIG. 5 shows a section 2-2 of FIG. 3.

[0023]FIG. 6 shows a section 3-3 of FIG. 3.

[0024]FIG. 7 shows a section 4-4 of FIG. 3.

[0025]FIG. 8 shows a top plan view of the heel lock down device.

[0026]FIG. 9 shows an elevational right side view of the heel support with the tension lever attached and in the released position.

[0027]FIG. 10 shows an elevational rear view of the heel support.

[0028]FIG. 11 shows an elevational left side view of the heel support.

[0029]FIG. 12 shows an elevational rear view of the tension lever in the upright position.

[0030]FIG. 13 shows an elevational right side view of the lock pin.

[0031]FIG. 14 shows an elevational rear view of the lock pin.

[0032]FIG. 15 shows an elevational side view of the lock bolt for the heel support.

[0033]FIG. 16 shows a cut off plan view of the rear portion of the underside of the main binding component. (see FIG. 25).

[0034]FIG. 17 shows an elevational rear view of the main binding component (see FIG. 25).

[0035]FIG. 18 shows an angled plan view 6-6 of FIG. 21 of the underside of the front portion of the main binding component 20.

[0036]FIG. 19 shows an elevational view of the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder.

[0037]FIG. 20 shows an elevational side view of the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder.

[0038]FIG. 21 shows an elevational side view of the main binding component.

[0039]FIG. 22 shows an elevational view of the lock knob for the heel support.

[0040]FIG. 23 shows a top plan view of the lock knob for the heel support.

[0041]FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of the heel support.

[0042]FIG. 25 shows a top plan view of the main binding component.

[0043]FIG. 26 shows an elevational rear view of the metal cleat.

[0044]FIG. 27 shows a top plan view of the metal cleat.

[0045] FIGS. 9-27 show all the components of the binding except the ankle and toe straps, the toe strap buckle and the rubber cushion to be inserted in the hollow abutment 20C (see FIG. 17) and four bolts and nuts for assembly.

[0046] In order to simplify the drawings FIG. 5, FIG. 6, FIG. 7 and FIG. 17 only show pertinent features.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0047]FIG. 1.10 generally is an elevational view of the right side of the right boot 11 strapped onto a snowshoe 12 with toe strap 13 and ankle strap 14 with its loose end 14A. The snowshoe 12 having a lengthwise center frame 15 and a weight distribution member 16 laterally extending on both sides of the lengthwise center frame 15. 15A and 15B show the frame located above the weight distribution member 16 in the front and rear portion of the snowshoe and 15C shows the frame located under the weight distribution member in the mid-portion of the snowshoe. 17 shows the frame 15C being saw-toothed to increase traction. 16B shows the edge of the weight distribution member 16 slightly thickened for reinforcement.

[0048] The portion of the frame 15D forming the semicircular opening 29 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) is snow plow shaped 18 in order to facilitate snow shedding when stepping forward.

[0049]16A shows the front portion of the weight distribution member 16 having an increased inverted V-shape to further improve snow shedding.

[0050]19 shows the point of connection of snowshoe and binding and also the binding pivot point. The binding has a number of components.

[0051]20 shows the full length main component of the binding.

[0052]21 shows the adjustable heel support with the lock knob 22.

[0053]23 shows the tension lever, 24 the lock pin and 25 the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder.

[0054] The main binding component 20 has in the front an abutment 20A with a groove 20D (see FIG. 18) into which the metal cleat 26 is fitted.

[0055]20B is a hollow abutment extending downward from the underside of the main binding component 20.

[0056] The hollow is fitted with a rubber cushion insert 20C (see FIG. 17) to engage the support shelf 32 (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3) in order to provide smooth and quiet contact between binding and snowshoe when stepping down.

[0057] The tension lever 23 is pivotally attached to the heel support 21 at 23A and provided with a push tab 23B and tension lugs 23C and 23D.

[0058] The upper portion of the tension lever 23 is provided with a hook 23E (see FIG. 12). The lock pin 24 has a holding tab 24A and is pivotally connected at 24B to the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25, with the buckle 25A.

[0059] Behind the binding, attached to the frame 15B is the slideable heel lock down device 27 with the elongated hole 27A the push pull tab 27B and the flexible arm 27C shown engaging the rearmost portion of the main binding component 20. 31 shows a bracket integrated with the frame that holds the support shelf 32 for the binding (see FIG. 2 and FIG. 3).

[0060]FIG. 2 shows a plan view of the underside of the snowshoe with the binding removed showing the frame 15C, the numerous traction lugs 28, the semicircular opening 29, the cross portion of the frame 15E integrated with the binding mounts 30 and the snow plow shape 18 of the frame 15D.

[0061] The binding pivots on the line 19A.

[0062] The outer thin edge of the weight distribution member 16 is somewhat thickened 16B for reinforcement.

[0063]FIG. 3 shows a plan top view of the snowshoe with the binding removed showing the frame 15A and 15B, the snow plow shape 18 of the frame 15D, and the cross portion 15E integrated with the binding mounts 30. The steel pin 19B connects the snowshoe and binding and is held in position, when the binding is attached by screws 33. 32 shows the support shelf for the binding.

[0064]FIG. 4 shows a section 1-1 of FIG. 3 with the frame 15A, 15B, 15C, 15D, 15E, snow plow shape 18, binding mount 30 and excluded from the section a short portion showing the heel lock down device 27 in a disengaged position. 19C is the bindings pivot point and hole to be fitted with steel pin 19B when the snowshoe and binding is connected.

[0065]FIG. 5 shows a section 2-2 of FIG. 3 of the rear portion of the snowshoe with the frame 15B above the weight distribution member 16, also showing how the weight distribution member 16 is gradually tapered thinner from the center frame towards the edges, traction lugs 28 and the dotted outline 16C of the weight distribution member 16 showing its position in a stepped down, weight supporting flexed position on an even snow surface. 16B shows the increased thickness of the edge. The traction lugs 28 will bend and flex when stepping on rocks and other obstacles without braking. FIG. 6 shows a section 3-3 of FIG. 3 of the mid-portion of the snowshoe with the frame 15C below the weight distribution member 16 otherwise identical to FIG. 5. FIG. 7 is a section 44 of FIG. 3 of the front portion of the snowshoe with the frame 15A above the weight distribution member 16, showing the increased inverted V-shape of the weight distribution member 16A, the dotted outline of the weight distribution member 16C showing its position in a stepped down position and the thickened outer edge 16B.

[0066]FIG. 8 shows a plan top view of the heel lock down device 27 showing the pull push tab 27B, the flexible arm 27C and the hollow center 27D to encompass the frame 15B.

[0067]FIG. 9 shows an elevational right side view of the heel support 21 with the tension lever 23 attached and in a released position with its pivot point 23A, the holding arm 21A for the tension lever, push tab 23B, tension lugs 23C and 23D and hook 23E.

[0068]FIG. 10 shows an elevational rear view of the heel support 21 with the holding arm 21A, the abutments 21B to engage the main binding component 20, the hole 21C for the lock bolt 34 (see FIG. 15) and the washer 21D to hold the tension lever 23 in place on the round pivot abutment 21E.

[0069]FIG. 11 shows an elevational left side view of the heel support 21, with the slot 21F to attach the ankle strap and the holding arm 21A.

[0070]FIG. 12 shows an elevational rear view of the tension lever 23 showing the push tab 23B, the tension lugs 23C and 23D, the hook 23E and the lateral curvature 23F.

[0071]FIG. 13 shows an elevational right side view of the lock pin 24 with the holding tab 24A and the hole 24B for connection to the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25 (see FIG. 19).

[0072]FIG. 14 shows an elevational rear view of the lock pin 24, with the holding tab 24A and the lateral curvature of the lock pin 24C to conform to the lateral curvature of the tension lever 23F.

[0073]FIG. 15 shows an elevational side view of the lock bolt 34 for the heel support with rifles 34A.

[0074]FIG. 16 shows a cut off plan view of the underside of the rear portion of the main binding component 20 (see FIG. 21 and 25), with adjustment slot 35 and rifles 36 to be engaged by rifles 34A on lock bolt 34 when the heel support 21 is locked in place after adjustment.

[0075]FIG. 17 shows an elevational rear view of the main binding component 20 (see FIG. 21 and 25) showing the hollow abutment 20B and the space 20C between the dotted lines to be fitted with a rubber cushion insert.

[0076]FIG. 18 shows a cut off angled plan view 6-6 of FIG. 21 showing the curved abutment 20A with the groove 20D to be fitted with the metal cleat 26 (see FIG. 26 and FIG. 27).

[0077]FIG. 19 shows an elevational side view of the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25 with the buckle 25A and hole 25B to connect the lock pin 24.

[0078]FIG. 20 shows an elevational rear view of the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25 with the buckle 25A and two extensions 25C to encompass the lock pin 24.

[0079]FIG. 21 shows an elevational side view of the main binding component 20 with abutments 20A and 20B, traction rifles 20C mount 20D with hole and pivot point 19C, and toe strap slot 20E.

[0080]FIG. 22 shows an elevational side view of the lock knob 22 to be threaded onto the lock bolt 34.

[0081]FIG. 23 shows a top plan view of the lock knob 22.

[0082]FIG. 24 shows a top plan view of the heel support 21 with the inside curve 21G shaped to center and support the heels of boots of many different sizes. The hole 21C for the lock bolt 34 and abutments 21B to engage the main binding component 20.

[0083]FIG. 25 shows a top plan view of the main binding component 20, showing the adjustment slot 35 to be fitted with the lock bolt 34 (see FIG. 15), the hollow V-shaped abutment 20B on the underside, traction rifles 20C to provide good traction between boot and binding and to provide rigidity for the full length binding 20. 20D shows the binding mounts on the underside and 19C holes for the connecting steel pin 19B (see FIG. 3).

[0084]FIG. 26 shows an elevational rear view of the metal cleat 26 with its mounting hole 26A.

[0085]FIG. 27 shows a top plan view of the metal cleat 26 with the curve 26B to conform to the groove 20D (see FIG. 18).

[0086] Referring to FIG. 1 when the snowshoe is initially strapped on the lock knob 22 is loosened and the heel support 21 moved to its rearmost position on the main binding component 20.

[0087] The boot is positioned on the binding so that the ball of the foot is aligned with the bindings pivot line 19A (see FIG. 2).

[0088] The toe strap 13 is strapped on. Then the heel support 21 is moved forward to tightly engage the heel of the boot 11 and the lock knob 22 tightened to secure the heel support 21.

[0089] For the same size boot the heel support 21 does not have to be adjusted again. By holding the holding tab 24A on the lock pin 24 the lock pin is positioned under the tension lug 23C and on top of tension lug 23D on the tension lever 23. (FIG. 9 shows the tension lever 23 in a released position).

[0090] The tension lever 23 is then pushed forward with the push tab 23B, pivoting at 23A, and tensing the ankle strap 14 and then, because of the lateral curvature of the flexible tension lever 23F (see FIG. 12) pushed inward to contact the holding arm 21A (see FIG. 10) and by slightly reducing the forward push allow the lever to move backward so that the hook 23E (see FIG. 12) hooks onto the holding arm 21A (see FIG. 9 and FIG. 10).

[0091] The lock pin 24 becomes wedged in place by the tension lugs 23C and 23D because of the less than 90-degree angle between the lock pin 24 and the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25 and by the tension of the ankle strap 14. When releasing the binding and the tension lever 23 pivots backwards the angle between the lock pin 24 and the combined ankle strap buckle and lock pin holder 25 increases to more than 90 degrees which will cause the tension on the ankle strap 14 to pull the lock pin 24 off the tension lug 23D on the tension lever 23 instantly freeing the lock pin 24 and thereby the ankle strap.

[0092] By pulling on the loose end of the ankle strap 14A the tension on the ankle strap 14 can be increased and by pushing the buckle 25A outward decreased, without having to release the binding.

[0093] To remove the snowshoe only takes a short forward push on the push tab 23B on the tension lever 23 which will cause the flexible tension lever 23 to flex outward releasing the hook 23E from the holding arm 21A on the heel support 21 and pivot backward at pivot point 23A, by the tension of the ankle strap 14, releasing the lock pin 24 and thereby the ankle strap thus instantly freeing the boot.

[0094] Every time the snowshoe is removed the binding is released in the same way therefore in an emergency situation it will become an automatic reflex.

[0095] When backward steps are required the heel lock down device 27 is moved forward by pulling the tab 27B forward which will cause the flexible arm 27C to engage the rearmost portion of the main binding component 20 preventing the normal pivoting of the binding. To disengage the heel lock down device the tab 27B is pushed backwards. 

I claim:
 1. A device to facilitate walking in deep snow conditions commonly called snowshoe characterized by: A narrow beam lengthwise center frame (15) and a weight distribution member (16) said weight distribution member integrated with and laterally extending on both sides of said narrow beam lengthwise center frame, said weight distribution member on each side of said narrow beam lengthwise center frame having independent and outwardly from said narrow beam lengthwise center frame increasing flexibility.
 2. A snowshoe as claimed in claim 1 further characterized by: (a) said narrow beam lengthwise center frame located on the upper side of said weight distribution member in the front and rear portion (15 A,D,B) and on the underside (15 C, E) in the mid portion of said snowshoe; (b) said frame extending opposed portions (15D) from the cross portion (15E) of said frame upwards and forwards through a generally semicircular opening (29) in the forward portion of said weight distribution member, said opposed portions of said frame forwardly converging to form a snow plow shape; (c) a cross section of said weight distribution member having a slight inverted V shape in the mid (FIG. 6) and rear (FIG. 5) portion and substantially increased, inverted V shape (FIG. 7) in the front portion of said snowshoe.
 3. A snowshoe as defined in claim 1 further characterized by a plurality of flexible, downwardly pointed traction lugs (28) on the underside of said weight distribution member.
 4. A snowshoe as defined in claim 1 having a full length binding provided with a quick-release device for ankle strap characterized by: (a) an ankle strap (14) (b) a heel support (21) having a holding arm (21A), said heel support slidably connected to the full length binding (20); (c) a tension lever (23) pivotally attached to said heel support and releasably connectable to said holding arm (21A) (d) a lock pin (24) pivotally and releasably connectable between said tension lever and said ankle strap
 5. A snowshoe and full length binding as defined in claims 1, 2 and 4 further characterized by a heel lock down device slidably attached to the rear portion of said frame (15B) said heel lock down device characterized by a flexible arm (27C) to engage the rearmost portion of the full length binding (20), said flexible arm flexibly releasing said full length binding if excessive upwardly directed force is applied to said full length binding. 